Monday, December 5, 2022

We need to share Janae’s story. It doesn’t have a happy ending. Not yet.

This time of year, most families are looking forward to the holidays. Not Janae’s. She worried about where to sleep. Having a roof over their heads. Things you and I may not worry about.

Her story is not unique. Due to a rent hike, she could no longer afford her apartment. She and her kids stayed with friends and family as long as they could.

Unfortunately, they ended up homeless. Living in a car. The worst possible outcome, but an avoidable one.

You can help change the life of the next family who calls. (And they will).

Janae was a perfect candidate for a prevention program. But every time she called, the program was full. Full because programs to prevent homelessness get little government funding.

The funding available is limited and has many restrictions on how it can be spent and who can get help. It’s frustrating, as prevention programs are the most cost-effective and have the best outcomes.

Janae’s story is not unique. Sadly, nearly 70% of the families who reach out for help go without.

Other callers have a much different outcome. A literal lifeline to safety. An apartment. Help with rent. Even furniture.

A far cry from sleeping in a car. And it’s not as expensive as you think.

But the cost of turning families, like Janae’s, away is tremendous. If Janae’s story sounds familiar, unfortunately it’s far too common.

Each month we receive thousands of calls for help. The trauma people experience by becoming homeless, especially children, cannot be overstated.

It’s tragic but we know you care.

Please consider a donation today to prevent this outcome for more local families. When you donate, your gift will help provide peace of mind, safety, housing and security.

Because you make ending homelessness possible.

Homelessness is a lagging indicator.

And all data pointed to a rise in homelessness now that COVID-related relief funds are being exhausted. A key indicator of the growing need, we’re on track to receive twice as many calls for help as received in 2020. These families at high-risk of homelessness are who you help when you donate.

The post Janae’s Story appeared first on Strategies to End Homelessness.